Let’s be honest, your AC unit is a blessing and a curse. It keeps you cool on those hot summer days and those humid nights, but it can also cause your electric bill to skyrocket. Here at Raynor Electric, our first priority is our customers, so we wanted to give you some helpful tips on staying cool and saving money this summer.
Cool Down Your Spending Costs Tips!
- Lower Your AC At Night: Did you know that the optimal sleeping conditions are between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit? But this does not mean you need to crank the AC at night, instead use your thermostat to maintain a consistently cool temperature throughout the entire day. Bonus: Your unit will actually be more efficient in the cooler temperature!
- Invest In a Newer, Efficient Model: If you’ve had your unit for while or you have one that has not been properly maintained, it’s actually more cost effective to invest in a newer model. While it may seem expensive at first, it will save you more money in the long run (Energy Star HVAC units use 50% less energy than other manufacturers!)
- Service Your Unit: We can not stress this one enough! If you do not want to be stuck constantly buying a new unit or spending a long summer sweating, you need to properly and routinely maintain your unit. Seeds from plants and trees in your backyard can drop into your filter which will only make your unit work harder (and, you guessed it- cost you more money for electric!)
- Invest in Plants: Did you know, most of your home’s heat comes directly from the sun shining through a window or onto the roof? Planting leafy trees around your house or building’s exterior will stop the sun from heating up your house. Additionally, if the trees or shrubs shade your Air Conditioning unit, you could increase your efficiency by up to 10 percent, according to the U.S Department of Energy.
- Pay Attention To Humidity: During the summer it’s okay to put your AC fan speed on high except on especially humid days. On those humid days, place your fan speed on slow. This slower air movement will help remove the moisture from the air, improving you and your family’s comfort!
- Rearrange Your Furniture: Not only will this give your home a fresh look just in time for the new season, but it will help keep your home cool. Furniture that obstructs air conditioning vents means that you are keeping your sofa cool instead of yourself!
- Turn Off Those Lights: Turning off electrical lights can help reduce your heat and will also help lower that electric bill!
